Shirley Temple Black dies at 85

Tuesday

Feb 11, 2014 at 8:10 AMFeb 11, 2014 at 12:09 PM

Actress and ambassador Shirley Temple Black has died at age 85.

Temple was known as an American film and television actress, singer, dancer and a one-time U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She also served as chief of protocol of the United States from 1976–1977.

Her film career began in 1932 when she was 3 years old, with hits such as "Curly Top" and "Heidi." Most of her popularity was attained during childhood, with licensed merchandise later released in her likeness, including dolls and clothing.

Temple retired from the industry in 1950 at age 22, but came back to show business eight years later with a two-season anthology TV series of fairy tale adaptations. She later sat on the board of corporations and organizations including The Walt Disney Company.

Her autobiography, "Child Star," was published in 1988. Temple ranks 18th on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest female American screen legends of all time.